Knit sock with targeted compression zones, and method for lifting and stretching the plantar fascia

ABSTRACT

A knit sock is integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales, and includes a foot portion having a heel and a toe, and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and defining an open leg end of the sock. A first targeted compression zone is formed with the foot portion between the heel and the toe, and includes spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the first compression zone to a second end of the first compression zone. A second targeted compression zone is formed with the ankle portion between the heel and the open leg end of the sock, and includes spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the second compression zone to a second end of the second compression zone.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to knit hosiery, and more particularlyto a circularly-knit sock with a targeted compression zones designed tolift and stretch the plantar fascia of the foot. In various exemplaryapplications, the targeted compression zones of the present sock mayalso function alone or in combination with other features to “lock” thesock in position on the foot of the wearer during use. In addition toimproved fit and comfort, the present sock may enhance a runner'sproprioception, kinesthetic awareness, stamina or endurance, and overallperformance.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and“typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative oradditional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprisesa knit sock including a foot portion having an upper instep area and alower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferentialcourses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outerarch regions. The inner arch region comprises a targeted (predefined)compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of awearer's foot. The compression zone comprises axially extendingcompression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of thecompression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock isworn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within thetargeted compression zone is greater than the compression force indirectly adjacent areas of the foot portion.

The term “targeted compression zone” as used herein refers to apredefined area of the sock which is of greater density than directlyadjacent areas, and which is fabricated to apply greater compressionforce against an arch of the foot.

In this context of the present disclosure, the term “directly adjacent”means a fabric area located or formed beside or surrounded (in whole orin part) by another fabric area without intervening fabric, parts orother structure.

The term “sock” refers broadly herein to any hosiery or other fabricconstruction designed to cover at least a portion of the wear's foot orother body part. The sock may be knit in whole or in part (e.g., usingconventional circular knitting machinery), and may be specially designedfor a variety of uses including running, cycling, hiking, golf, hunting,and other general athletic and every-day wear. The sock may comprise afootsock, tube sock, calf-high sock, mid-calf or over-the calf sock,crew sock, stocking, stretch or support hosiery, foot sleeve, foot wrap,or the like. The present sock may also be integrally formed with othergarments, such as pantyhose. In further alternative embodiments, theexemplary “sock” may have opposing open ends, and may comprise or beincorporated in other garments such as arm sleeves, calf sleeves, thighsleeves, and the like.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zonecomprises elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn. Alternatively, thecompression zone may be separately formed and separately attached (e.g.,by sewing) to parts of the sock.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zoneis generally semi-circular. The term “semi-circular” is defined broadlyherein to mean any shape having a first side which is generally linearand a second side which is generally arcuate. The compression zone mayalso be formed in a variety of other shapes including, for example,oval, circular, pyramidal, square, and rectangular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zonecomprises a substantially arcuate side extending between opposite endsof the foot portion, and a substantially linear side opposite thearcuate side.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the arcuate side of thecompression zone faces a bottom axial centerline of the foot portion(substantially dividing the lower sole area into inside and outside archregions).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the linear side of thecompression zone extends proximate an inside axial centerline of thefoot portion (substantially dividing the lower sole area and the upperinstep area).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zonecomprises a plurality of spaced axial compression ridges. Eachcompression ridge may be formed by one or more uncut pattern (or accentor other) yarns. The term “uncut” refers to a single length of yarnextending coursewise across each of the axial wales in the compressionzone. In other words, a first free end of the uncut yarn may resideoutside a first wale of the compression zone, while the opposite freeend resides outside the last wale of the compression zone. These uncutyarns may be thicker than the body yarn, and may be integrated into thecompression zone in each circumferential course.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression ridges taper(become shorter) in axial length from the linear side of the compressionzone towards a center of the arcuate side of the compression zone.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zonecomprises double covered elastic yarns.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the size of each doublecovered elastic yarn is less than 250 denier. In one specificembodiment, the denier range is 90 to 580.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone has atighter gauge (or increased stitch density) than directly adjacent areasof the foot portion. The density in the compression zone may be 50%-100%greater than the density in directly adjacent areas of the sock. In oneexample, the density in the compression zone is about 70% greater thanthe density in directly adjacent areas of the sock.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone has aknit structure distinct from directly adjacent areas of the footportion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the foot portion furthercomprises a heel and a toe.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper instep area of thefoot portion comprises an intermediate flat knit region.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the intermediate flat knitregion in the upper instep area comprises mock ribbing.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper instep area of thefoot portion further comprises first and second mesh knit regionsdirectly adjacent or adjacent (i.e, proximate) opposite sides of theintermediate flat knit region.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the outer arch region of thelower sole area comprises mock ribbing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises aknit sock with a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lowersole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses andaxial wales. The lower sole area comprises a generally semi-circulartargeted compression zone. A compression force applied by the footportion within the targeted compression zone is greater than thecompression force in directly adjacent areas of the foot portion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zonehas reduced coursewise and walewise stretchability relative to directlyadjacent areas of the foot portion.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises aknit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential coursesand axial wales, and comprising a foot portion having a heel and a toe(open or closed), and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion anddefining an open leg end of the sock. A first targeted compression zoneis formed with the foot portion between the heel and the toe, andcomprises spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axiallyoutward from the heel at a first end of the first compression zone to asecond end of the first compression zone. Adjacent axial compressionridges have different termination points at the second end of the firstcompression zone. A second targeted compression zone is formed with theankle portion between the heel and the open leg end of the sock, andcomprises spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axiallyoutward from the heel at a first end of the second compression zone to asecond end of the second compression zone. Adjacent axial compressionridges have different termination points at the second end of the secondcompression zone. A compression force applied by the sock (to the footof the wearer) within the first and second targeted compression zones isgreater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of thesock.

According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the compression ridgesmay be formed by one or more uncut pattern (or accent or other) yarns.As previously described, the term “uncut” refers to a single length ofyarn extending coursewise across each of the axial wales in thecompression zone. In other words, a first free end of the uncut yarn mayreside outside a first wale of the compression zone, while the oppositefree end resides outside the last wale of the compression zone. Theseuncut yarns may be thicker than the body yarn, and may be integratedinto the compression zone in each circumferential course.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targetedcompression zones comprise elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first targetedcompression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adaptedto extend under the foot generally from a lateral malleolus to a medialmalleolus of the wearer.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second targetedcompression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adaptedto extend around a back of the heel generally from a lateral malleolusto a medial malleolus of the wearer.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the heel of the foot portioncomprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines.The first end of the first targeted compression zone is formed at thelower reciprocation line of the heel pocket, and extends axially fromthe heel pocket in a direction towards the toe of the foot portion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the heel of the foot portioncomprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines.The first end of the second targeted compression zone is formed at theupper reciprocation line of the heel pocket, and extends axially fromthe heel pocket in a direction towards the open leg end of the sock.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targetedcompression zones comprise double covered elastic yarns.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targetedcompression zones have an increased density as compared to directlyadjacent areas of the sock.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targetedcompression zones have a knit structure distinct from directly adjacentareas of the sock.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises aknit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential coursesand axial wales. The sock has a foot portion with a heel and a toe (openor closed), and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and definingan open leg end of the sock. A targeted compression zone is formed withthe ankle portion between the heel and the open leg end, and comprisesspaced-apart axial compression ridges. The compression ridges extendaxially outward from the heel at a first end of the targeted compressionzone to a second end of the targeted compression zone. Adjacent axialcompression ridges have different termination points at the second endof the targeted compression zone. A compression force applied by thesock (to the foot of the wearer) within the targeted compression zone isgreater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of thesock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the descriptionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a knit sock incorporating a targetedcompression zone according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary sock worn on a foot of wearer,and including surface shading to indicate various areas and regions ofdistinct knit structure;

FIG. 3 is an inner arch side view of the exemplary sock;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary sock;

FIG. 5 is an outer arch side view of the exemplary sock;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the exemplary sock;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary sock taken generallyalong line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary knit structure of top and bottom marginsof the targeted compression zone;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary knit structure of the targetedcompression zone between the top and bottom margins;

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of a knit sockaccording to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary knit structure of the targetedcompression zones in the sock shown in FIGS. 10-13.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to likeelements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, andany and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such asadaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein andfall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unlessotherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be giventheir broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with thatapplicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to anyspecific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article“a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item isintended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. Whenused herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least oneof the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/orarrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although stepsof various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in asequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes ormethods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequenceor arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpectedresults, or operability of the present invention are not intended as anaffirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practiceor that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless statedotherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit)is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has beenpreviously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a knit sock according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The exemplary sock10 is constructed on a circular hosiery knitting machine, and includes aplurality of yarns formed in needle and sinker loops extending incircumferential courses and axial wales. The sock 10 may be formedthroughout of a body yarn and a ground yarn knitted in platedrelationship in various stitch constructions described below, and withinlaid elastic yarns and pattern yarns in certain portions, areas, andregions of the sock.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the exemplary sock 10 comprises anintegrally-knit raised ankle portion 11 and foot portion 12. The footportion 12 includes an upper instep area 14, a lower sole area 15, and areciprocally-knitted heel 16 and toe 17. The upper instep area 14 andlower sole area 15 are circularly-knit in foot portion 12 and designatedby notional center lines ICL and OCL in FIGS. 3 and 5, such that anupper half of the foot portion 12 substantially defines the instep area14 while the lower half substantially defines the sole area 15. Theupper instep area 14 has a front ankle region 21, an intermediate instepregion 22, and a forward instep region 23. These regions 21, 22, 23 areaxially divided by notional center line TCL in FIG. 6. The lower solearea 15 has inner and outer arch regions 25, 26 axially divided bycenter line BCL in FIG. 4, and a forward ball region 27 adjacent the toe17. The inner arch region 25 is designed to reside substantiallyadjacent an inner arch of the wearer's foot, as best shown in FIG. 2,and incorporates a generally semi-circular, anatomically-shaped targetedcompression zone 30 comprising elastic yarns, pattern (or accent) yarns,and axially extending compression ridges 32, discussed further below.When applied to the foot, the compression zone 30 of sock 10 may exertan intensified targeted compression force at the inner arch of the footwhich is substantially greater than the compression force applied inother directly adjacent areas of the foot portion 12. The intensifiedcompression may be as much as 3-4 times greater (or more) in thecompression zone 30 of the sock 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the compression zone 30 has asubstantially linear side 30A at its top margin 31A which extendsadjacent the inside axial center line ICL of foot portion 12, and asubstantially arcuate side 30B opposite the linear side 30A at itsbottom margin 31B, and facing the bottom axial centerline BCL of thefoot portion 12. FIG. 7 further illustrates quadrants of thecircularly-knit foot portion 12 of sock 10. The quadrants are divided byrespective center lines ICL, OCL, TCL, BCL discussed above. As shown,the targeted compression zone 30 may reside substantially entirelywithin the lower inside quadrant of the foot portion at the inner archregion 25 (substantially between ICL and BCL). The compression ridges 32are spaced apart circumferentially from a top of the compression zone 30to the bottom of the compression zone 30, and taper in axial lengthwithin a generally semi-circular shape between top and bottom margins31A, 31B.

The remainder of the lower sole area 15 immediately surrounding thetargeted compression zone 30 (both axially and circumferentially)comprises a less dense flat knit fabric structure with a one-by-one mockrib. The upper instep area 14 of the sock 10 may comprise a 1×1 meshknit construction in the divided front ankle and forward instep regions21, 23. The intermediate instep region 22 may incorporate a 1×1 mock ribconstruction similar to the fabric area immediately surrounding thecompression zone 30. The heel and toe 16, 17 are formed in aconventional manner, and may also comprise mock ribbing. The ankleportion 11 of sock 10 may comprise a mesh knit elastic cuff, and mockribbing knit in a conventional manner.

Exemplary Knit Structure of Compression Zone 30

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9, in the exemplary embodiment thetargeted compression zone 30 of sock 10 is formed of a one-by-one mockrib construction with the elastic yarn (E) laid-in the plaited body yarn(B) on a reverse side of the fabric in each course C1-C12 by tuck andfloat stitches in needle loops of wales W1-W8. FIG. 8 illustrates theknit structure of the compression zone 30 in spaced top and bottommargins 31A, 31B—the compression zone 30, margins 31A, 31B, and axialcompression ridges 32 being shown FIGS. 3 and 4. The axial compressionridges 32 between the margins 31A, 31B are formed by the introduction oftwo pattern yarns (P1) and (P2), shown in FIG. 9, integrally knit withthe plaited body yarn (B) in each course C1-C12 in a manner using tuckand float stitches, such that the compression ridges 32 (W2-W4 andW6-W8) are raised and substantially more dense as compared to directlyadjacent areas of the foot portion 12. For clarity of illustration, thepattern yarns (P1) and (P2) are distinguished in FIG. 9 by broken-linesand bold lines, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, pattern yarn(P1) is knit in wales W2, W3, W6, and W7 of the plaited body yarn (B),and floats uncut across wales W1, W4, W5, and W8. Pattern yarn (P2) isknit in wales W4 and W8 of the plaited body yarn (B), and floats uncutacross wales W1, W2, W3, W5, W6 and W7. As indicated previously, thecompression zone 30 may be knit in a manner resulting in increasedstitch density, tighter gauge, and reduced stretchability compared todirectly adjacent areas of the foot portion 12.

Exemplary Sock 100

A further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustratedin FIGS. 10-14. The exemplary sock 100 incorporates the same knitstructure described above in sock 10—providing targeted increasedcompression to the medial arch of the foot, as indicated at zone 30′.Compression zone 30′ is generally semi-circular and anatomically-shaped,and comprises elastic yarns, pattern (or accent) yarns, and axiallyextending compression ridges 32′ discussed further below. The presentsock 100 utilizes this same knit structure to provide additionaltargeted and increased compression above and below the heel of the footin the areas (“targeted compression zones”) designated at 101 and 102,respectively. All other regions of the exemplary sock 100 may beconstructed as described above in sock 10. The targeted compression islocated in areas 101, 102 to lift and stretch the plantar fascia tissueon the bottom of the foot (originating in the heel), and to addcompressive support to the Achilles tendon above the heel.

Like sock 10, the exemplary sock 100 is constructed on a circularhosiery knitting machine, and includes a plurality of yarns formed inneedle and sinker loops extending in circumferential courses and axialwales. The sock 100 may be formed throughout of a body yarn and a groundyarn knitted in plated relationship in various stitch constructionsdescribed herein, and with inlaid elastic yarns and pattern yarns incertain portions, areas, and regions of the sock 100. The exemplary sock100 comprises an integrally-knit raised ankle portion 110 and footportion 112. The foot portion 112 incorporates same the sock structuredescribed above, including a reciprocally-knitted heel 114 and closedtoe 115. The ankle portion 110 defines an open leg end 116 of the sock100.

The targeted compression zone 101 is formed with the foot portion 112 ofthe sock 100 between the heel 114 and the toe 115, and is adapted toextend under the foot of the wearer (adjacent the plantar fascia)generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus. Targetcompression zone 101 incorporates spaced-apart axial compression ridges32′ constructed in the manner previously described above (as compressionridges 32 in sock 10). The compression ridges 32′ extend axially outwardfrom the heel 114 at a first end of the compression zone 101 to a secondend of the compression zone 101. In one embodiment, the heel 114 of thefoot portion 112 comprises a heel pocket defined by lower and upperreciprocation lines 121 and 122. The first end of the targetedcompression zone 101 is formed at the lower reciprocation line 121 ofthe heel 114, and extends axially from the heel 114 in a directiontowards the toe 115 of the sock 100. The second end of the targetedcompression zone 101 is centrally pointed, such that adjacentcompression ridges 32′ have different termination points along the footportion 112—the compression ridges 32′ being shortest at opposite endsof the zone 101 (proximate the maleolae) and progressively increasing inlength to the longest center ridge 32′.

The targeted compression zone 102 is formed with the ankle portion 110of the sock 100 between the heel 114 and the open leg end 116, and isadapted to extend around a back of the wear's heel (adjacent theAchilles tendon) generally from the lateral malleolus to the medialmalleolus. Like targeted compression zone 101, compression zone 102incorporates spaced-apart axial compression ridges 32′ constructed inthe manner previously described above. The compression ridges 32′ extendaxially outward from the heel 114 at a first end of the compression zone102 to a second end of the compression zone 102. The first end of thetargeted compression zone 102 is formed at the upper reciprocation line122 of the heel pocket, and extends axially from the heel 114 in adirection towards the open leg end 116 of the sock 100. The second endof the targeted compression zone 102 is centrally pointed, such thatadjacent compression ridges 32′ have different termination points alongthe raised ankle portion 110. The compression ridges 32′ are shortest atopposite ends of the zone 102 (proximate the maleolae), andprogressively increase in length to the longest center ridge 32′extending axially upward from the heel 114.

When sock 100 is properly applied to the foot, the targeted compressionzones 30′, 101, and 102 exert an intensified targeted compression forceat the inner arch of the foot, the plantar fascia tissue (originating inthe heel), and the Achilles tendon above the heel. This targetedcompression is substantially greater than the compression force appliedin other directly adjacent areas of the sock 100. The intensifiedcompression may be as much as 3-4 times greater (or more) in thecompression zones 30′, 101, and 102 of the sock 10. The remainder of thesock 100 immediately surrounding the targeted compression zones 30′,101, and 102 (both axially and circumferentially) may comprise a lessdense flat or mesh knit fabric structure with a one-by-one mock rib. Theheel and toe 114, 115 of the sock 100 may be formed in a conventionalmanner, as described above, and may also comprise mock ribbing. Theankle portion 110 of sock 100 may comprise a mesh knit elastic cuff, andmock ribbing knit in a conventional manner.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 13 and 14, in the exemplary embodiment thetargeted compression zones 30′, 101 and 102 of sock 100 may beconstructed in a manner similar to that of compression zone 30 in sock10. For example, compression zones 30′, 101, and 102 may be formed of aone-by-one mock rib construction with the elastic yarn (E) laid-in theplaited body yarn (B) on a reverse side of the fabric in each courseC1-C12 by tuck and float stitches in needle loops of wales W1-W8. Thecourses and wales shown in FIG. 14 are numbered for reference purposesonly and are not intended to designate any specific course or wale insock 100. The exemplary compression ridges 32′ are formed by theintroduction of two pattern yarns (P1) and (P2), shown in FIG. 14,integrally knit with the plaited body yarn (B) in each course C1-C12 ina manner using tuck and float stitches, such that the compression ridges32′ (W2-W4 and W6-W8) are raised and substantially more dense ascompared to directly adjacent areas of the sock 100. For clarity ofillustration, the pattern yarns (P1) and (P2) are distinguished in FIG.14 by broken-lines and bold lines, respectively. In the exemplaryembodiment, pattern yarn (P1) is knit in wales W2, W3, W6, and W7 of theplaited body yarn (B), and floats uncut across wales W1, W4, W5, and W8.Pattern yarn (P2) is knit in wales W4 and W8 of the plaited body yarn(B), and floats uncut across wales W1, W2, W3, W5, W6 and W7. Asindicated previously, the compression zones 30′, 101 and 102 may be knitin a manner resulting in increased stitch density, tighter gauge, andreduced stretchability compared to directly adjacent areas of the sock100.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the use of relative terms, such as “substantially”,“generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein torepresent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed toany quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. Noelement, act, or instruction used in this description should beconstrued as important, necessary, critical, or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few ofthe exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthis invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular functionor step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it isnot intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the presentinvention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found hereinthat does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

What is claimed:
 1. A knit sock integrally formed of a body yarn incircumferential courses and axial wales, said sock comprising: a footportion having a heel and a toe; an ankle portion joined to said footportion and defining an open leg end of said sock; a first targetedcompression zone formed with said foot portion between the heel and thetoe, and comprising spaced-apart axial compression ridges extendingaxially outward from the heel at a first end of said first compressionzone to a second end of said first compression zone, and wherein saidaxial compression ridges have different coursewise termination points atthe second end of said first compression zone; a second targetedcompression zone formed with said ankle portion between the heel and theopen leg end of said sock, and comprising spaced-apart axial compressionridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of saidsecond compression zone to a second end of said second compression zone,and wherein said axial compression ridges have different coursewisetermination points at the second end of said second compression zone;and whereby a compression force applied by said sock within said firstand second targeted compression zones is greater than the compressionforce in directly adjacent areas of said sock.
 2. The knit sockaccording to claim 1, wherein said first and second targeted compressionzones comprise elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn.
 3. The knit sockaccording to claim 1, wherein said axial compression ridges compriseindividual uncut pattern yarns integrally formed with respective coursesof the body yarn within said first and second targeted compressionzones.
 4. The knit sock according to claim 1, wherein said firsttargeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and isadapted to extend under the foot generally from a lateral malleolus to amedial malleolus of the wearer.
 5. The knit sock according to claim 1,wherein said second targeted compression zone is centrally pointed atits second end, and is adapted to extend around a back of the heelgenerally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer.6. The knit sock according to claim 1, wherein the heel of said footportion comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocationlines, and wherein the first end of said first targeted compression zoneis formed at the lower reciprocation line of said heel pocket, andextends axially from said heel pocket towards the toe of said footportion.
 7. The knit sock according to claim 1, wherein the heel of saidfoot portion comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lowerreciprocation lines, and wherein the first end of said second targetedcompression zone is formed at the upper reciprocation line of said heelpocket, and extends axially from said heel pocket towards the open legend of said sock.
 8. The knit sock according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst and second targeted compression zones comprise double coveredelastic yarns.
 9. The knit sock according to claim 8, wherein saiddouble covered elastic yarns are greater than 250 denier.
 10. The knitsock according to claim 1, wherein said first and second targetedcompression zones have an increased density as compared to directlyadjacent areas of said sock.
 11. The knit sock according to claim 1,wherein said first and second targeted compression zones have a knitstructure distinct from directly adjacent areas of said sock.
 12. A knitsock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses andaxial wales, said sock comprising: a foot portion having a heel and atoe; an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and defining an openleg end of said sock; a targeted compression zone formed with said ankleportion between the heel and the open leg end of said sock, andcomprising spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axiallyoutward from the heel at a first end of said targeted compression zoneto a second end of said targeted compression zone, and wherein saidaxial compression ridges have different coursewise termination points atthe second end of said targeted compression zone; and whereby acompression force applied by said sock within said targeted compressionzone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas ofsaid sock.
 13. The knit sock according to claim 12, wherein saidtargeted compression zone comprises elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn.14. The knit sock according to claim 12, wherein said axial compressionridges comprise individual uncut pattern yarns integrally formed withrespective courses of the body yarn within said targeted compressionzone.
 15. The knit sock according to claim 12, wherein said targetedcompression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adaptedto extend around a back of the heel generally from a lateral malleolusto a medial malleolus of the wearer.
 16. The knit sock according toclaim 12, wherein the heel of said foot portion comprises a heel pocketdefined by upper and lower reciprocation lines, and wherein the firstend of said targeted compression zone is formed at the upperreciprocation line of said heel pocket, and extends axially from theheel pocket towards the open leg end of said sock.
 17. The knit sockaccording to claim 12, wherein said targeted compression zone comprisesdouble covered elastic yarns.
 18. The knit sock according to claim 17,wherein said double covered elastic yarns are greater than 250 denier.19. The knit sock according to claim 12, wherein said targetedcompression zone has an increased density as compared to directlyadjacent areas of said sock.
 20. The knit sock according to claim 12,wherein said targeted compression zone has a knit structure distinctfrom directly adjacent areas of said sock.